ASHEVILLE - Ben & Jerry's is setting up a Scoop Shop in downtown Asheville, a representative for the 40-year-old ice cream company confirmed Tuesday. Though the ice cream is available locally, this will be the first Ben & Jerry's storefront to open in the area.

Ben & Jerry's representative Lindsay Bumps said the new shop is slated to open in May. City permits indicate the store will be at 19 Haywood St., between Urban Outfitters and the AdLib clothing store.

Franchisee Julie Williams, who lives in Waynesville, has two other Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops, in Sevierville and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Through Bumps, Williams said Asheville is "very similar to Ben & Jerry’s hometown of Burlington, Vermont. Both are very welcoming communities, with the goal to make a positive impact."

Bumps said Williams "has worked closely with local organizations in her shop communities, one of which is Keep Sevier Green, where her scoopers and managers have worked to improve two local playgrounds."

Ben & Jerry's has more than 230 shops in the United States and 345 outside the country, most of which are franchise locations.

Founded as a small shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Ben & Jerry's is known for various flavors including the jam band-themed Cherry Garcia and Phish Food.

The company also has a history of supporting popular progressive causes.

In 2011, the Ben & Jerry’s board of directors issued a statement of solidarity with Occupy Wall Street protesters, scooping ice cream in Zucotti Park on several occasions for Occupiers.

In 2013, the company came out in support of mandatory GMO labeling legislation, committing also to the transition of all ingredients to be fully sourced non-GMO.